Cal Crutchlow celebrates first MotoGP podium

Tech 3 Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow becomes first British rider in 12 years to finish on MotoGP podium with stunning ride to third at Brno in Czech Republic

Cal Crutchlow hailed a 'perfect' weekend after the Tech 3 Yamaha rider stood on the MotoGP podium for the first time at Brno in the Czech Republic.

Crutchlow produced a faultless ride to earn a memorable top three result behind Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo, becoming the first British rider to achieve the feat since Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams 12 years ago.

The Coventry star, who celebrated a one-year extension to his Tech 3 contract by qualifying second yesterday, added the icing on the cake this afternoon on a day he will never forget.

"It feels fantastic to finally score my first podium in MotoGP," said Crutchlow.

"This has been the perfect weekend for me because I signed a new contract with the Yamaha Tech 3 Team and then scored my best ever qualifying result yesterday.

"So to cap it all off with a podium is a great feeling and hopefully I've already gone a little way to repaying the faith shown in me," he added.

"It wasn't an easy race because I was on my own for most of it and it was a real test of concentration.

"The pleasing aspect is my pace was really consistent throughout, but it had to be because I knew Andrea [Dovizioso] was behind," he said.

"I basically raced my pit board so I knew where he was but I knew he was going to be hard to beat when you look at how well he has been riding lately."

Crutchlow said the pressure has eased slightly following his performance today and won't rest on his laurels as he targets more success before the end of the season.

"I feel the pressure is off a little bit now, so hopefully today's podium is the first of many.

"To end a 12-year drought for a British rider to get on a MotoGP podium is also a great feeling," he said.

"It seems a long time since Jeremy McWilliams did it, so I hope the British fans don't have to wait that long for the next one!

"It felt great when I came across the line and saw my crew celebrating because they have given me unbelievable support."

Crutchlow remains fifth in the championship, but has reduced the gap to Dovizioso to 28 points. Dovizioso has taken five podiums this year.